On the horn Meaning in English
expression
ON-thuh-HORN
on-thuh-HAWN
Definition
A casual, informal way to say someone is using or talking on the telephone.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, mostly used in American English and often in spoken or playful situations. Not literally about a car horn—refers only to telephones. Common in phrases like 'get on the horn' (call someone). Rarely used in formal writing.
Spanish: al teléfono (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): no telefone (gíria)Portuguese (PT): ao telefone (gíria)Chinese (Simplified): 在打电话（俚语）Chinese (Traditional): 在講電話（俚語）Hindi: फोन पर (स्लैंग)Arabic: على الهاتف (عامية)Bengali: ফোনে কথা বলা - ফোনে থাকাRussian: на телефоне - говорить по телефонуJapanese: 電話中 - 電話で話しているVietnamese: đang nói chuyện điện thoại - gọi điệnKorean: 전화 중 - 전화하다Turkish: telefonda olmak - telefonla konuşmakUrdu: فون پر ہونا - فون پر بات کرناIndonesian: sedang di telepon - menelepon
Example Sentences
I can't talk now, I'm on the horn with my mom.
basic
She's on the horn with her boss.
basic
Can you get on the horn with the plumber?
basic
Let me get on the horn and find out what's going on.
natural
I've been on the horn all morning chasing down clients.
natural
If you're free, hop on the horn and give me a call.
natural